Source of Madness Thumbnail

Source of Madness similar games & best alternatives

Source of Madness

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 • 2022

Related articles

Quick resume

Source of Madness is a side-scrolling dark action roguelite set in a twisted Lovecraftian inspired world powered by procedural generation and AI machine learning. Take on the role of a new Acolyte as they embark on a nightmarish odyssey.

Global score

70/100

Genres

Action, Role-playing (RPG), Platform, Adventure

Pros

  • Unique lovecraftian art style and atmosphere
  • Procedurally generated monsters and environments
  • Engaging and challenging combat
  • Deep progression and build customization
  • Active developer support and updates

Cons

  • Combat can feel floaty and imprecise
  • Some balancing and content length issues
  • Minimal narrative and story impact
  • Enemy ai and movement can be unpredictable or frustrating
  • Lack of save mid-run and some ui clunkiness

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players can choose different classes and customize builds with spells and items, but runs have procedural generation and some randomness in starting conditions."

  • Competence
    3

    "Combat requires skillful dodging and positioning; players improve over time and unlock upgrades, but some combat elements feel floaty and imprecise."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on individual progression and personal challenge rather than competing against others; no mention of PvP or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report addictive gameplay with desire to keep playing, though some mention waning interest after finishing acts; roguelite progression encourages repeated runs."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Game is single-player focused with no cooperative or multiplayer elements mentioned."

  • Creativity
    4

    "High creativity in procedural generation of monsters and environments; players create unique builds with spells and items."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of dominating others; gameplay is solo and cooperative social dominance is absent."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong Lovecraftian horror theme and immersive atmosphere provide escapism into a dark, surreal world."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment; no indication of obligation or pressure to play."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players experiment with different builds, spells, and strategies; procedural generation encourages trying new approaches."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players explore procedurally generated levels and discover secrets; some critique about limited story impact on hub world."

  • Expression
    2

    "Customization through character classes and spell/item builds allows some self-expression, though no avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strongly rooted in imaginative Lovecraftian cosmic horror fantasy with surreal monsters and environments."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community play; experience is solitary."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn enemy patterns, improve skills, and unlock permanent upgrades through progression."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during runs; some runs can be long but players are engaged."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of forming close relationships or emotional sharing within the game."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements present."

  • Progression
    4

    "Persistent progression through unlocking skills, classes, and upgrades across runs."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find the atmosphere immersive and enjoyable, though combat can be challenging and tense."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Strong sensory stimulation from unique art style, sound design, and visual effects."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems mentioned."

  • Story
    2

    "Minimal narrative with some lore and atmosphere; story is light and underdeveloped but present."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Combat and build choices require tactical thinking and planning; some randomness limits full strategic control."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Challenging combat and unpredictable enemies create suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    3

    "Players feel the game offers good value especially at sale price; some critique about content length."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat involves destroying grotesque monsters with spells and dismemberment."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must avoid damage and manage resources to survive; enemies pose significant threat."

Similar games

    Where to buy

    Last update: 06/03/2026